AMERICAN MILITARY STEPS UP AID EFFORTS

A Marine-led U.S. relief operation in the Philippines ramped up Tuesday with the deployment of two more ships with advanced medical capabilities.

The amphibious dock landing ships Ashland and Germantown are slated to leave Sasebo, Japan, today. ﻿After picking up Marine landing teams in Okinawa, the ships should arrive in the Philippines within a week.

Along with the aircraft carrier George Washington and six escort ships already steaming toward the Philippines, “they do bring a very considerable and robust medical capability to the mission,” said Navy Capt. Darryn James, chief spokesman for the Pacific Fleet.

One option is deployment of the San Diego-based Navy hospital ship Mercy, which James said is in a “reduced operating status” and would require additional time to reach the disaster area. The Mercy visited the Philippines in June 2012 for the annual Pacific Partnership humanitarian and disaster relief exercise.

Nearly 250 U.S. troops have converged on the islands, including about 180 Marines. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade based in Okinawa, Japan, is leading the effort.

“Our number one goal is to assist the government of the Philippines to ease the suffering of those devastated by this typhoon,” James said. “So we are considering all options to assist.”

The George Washington can generate 400,000 gallons of drinking water per day. It also carries more than 80 aircraft, including 11 helicopters useful for transporting people and supplies.

The San Diego-based cruiser Cowpens is among the six other Navy ships ordered to assist. The Cowpens left San Diego on Sept. 17 for a six-month tour.

It is embarked with the Coronado-based Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49.